English
gradient
Etymology

From Latin gradiēns, present participle of gradior ("to step, to walk").

Pronunciation
  • IPA: /ˈɡɹeɪdiənt/
Noun

gradient (plural gradients)

  1. A slope or incline.
  2. A rate of inclination or declination of a slope.
  3. (calculus, of a function) The ratio of the rates of change of a dependent variable and an independent variable, the slope of a curve's tangent.
  4. (science) The rate at which a physical quantity increases or decreases relative to change in a given variable, especially distance.
  5. (, calculus) A differential operator that maps each point of a scalar field to a vector pointed in the direction of the greatest rate of change of the scalar. Notation for a scalar field φ: ∇φ
  6. A gradual change in color; a color gradient; gradation.
Synonyms Translations Translations Translations Translations Translations Translations Adjective

gradient (not comparable)

  1. Moving by steps; walking.
    • 1648, John Wilkins, Mathematical Magick:
      movable and Gradient Automata
  2. Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination.
    the gradient line of a railroad
  3. Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birds.


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